My leg hurts from banging it while falling off the wagon!

I had a good weekend, but managed to slip up all 3 days. Friday after curling we went for drinks. Sticking to my plan: I had 3 diet cokes - not even one glass of wine. Slipping from my plan: 6 chicken wings and picked at the nachos. Saturday had a date with husband. Sticking to my plan: ordered the half order of ravioli - the plate came with 7 raviolis on it (husband ate one). It was the perfect amount and SO, SO good. Slipping from my plan: had two glasses of wine which is what made the small bottle of bailey's seem like a good idea! Sunday watched a lot of tv & went to the gym. Sticking to my plan - had a perfect day until...Slipping from my plan: landed face first into a bag of Mrs. Vicki's Sweet Chili chips. Of course, today after all those chips - my stomach is killing me!

Today is a new day. My next 3 days have to be minimum points. I got my period this weekend, so my weigh in will likely be a gain, but I would like it to be as small a gain as possible. I have my weight training class today and I will do some time on the eliptical after. I did the eliptical yesterday, which I don't really like, but I used the pre-programmed button for weight loss, and it was actually quite good. Figured I'd give it another try. My heart rate certainly got up there.

I have to sit and make a grocery list this morning so I can make some nice suppers this week. Ugh. I hate making grocery lists. I would love to use that cookbook with the grocery list, but I don't have the grocery $$ this week for that. I have to try to use what's in my cupboard and fill in with fresh stuff. Fun times.

I have two lunch dates this week that I'm really looking forward to. I'm happy because I am meeting with lovely ladies AND at restaurants that I can control the points count AND cost. Does life get any better??

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Not Much Friday

Not much going on today. Curling this morning. Half my team will be missing, so I'm curling with two people I don't know. I don't like that. I may or may not be curling tonight. We have no social plans this weekend. Blah.

So, trainer was there yesterday and totally kicked my butt. What a hard workout. It was fun though. Reason she missed last week? Her building flooded and her car floated away. Total write off. Actually, they were lucky that no one died in this situation - I can't believe all the stuff that went on. I guess that is a pretty good reason to miss an hour with me, eh??????

Anyone out there going to watch this round of survivor? I taped it. I haven't watched in quite a few years, but now that I can record.....I thought I'd give it another try. Plus, I like the idea of fans against favs. The show I can't wait for is Big Brother. I know it is tacky - but I can't get enough of it!! Plus, with the writer's strike.....

Well bloggers - have a healthy day!!

Puppy News

Forgot to tell you guys - puppy will be ok. Vet thinks lump is just a reaction from his last set of shots. We just have to watch to see that the characteristics of the lump don't change, or that we don't see a change in puppy's moods over the next month. I think that was another reason why I was so giggly on Tuesday. The emotional release from going to the vet.

So, this week I'm switching things up in my journal - hot pink is the colour of the week. I'm feeling spicy!!

Off to meet with my trainer. I sure hope she is there today. I want to tell her that since I've been working with her, I'm down 13lbs!!

Have a healthy day bloggers!

Salsa Class - should be called laughing class

Yesterday turned into a giggle fest. If activity points could be awarded for laughing - I'd have filled up my week's alotment!

It started with the family watching The New Adventures of Old Christine. All 3 of us were just about crying we were laughing so much. I thought my daughter would wet her pants at the part when they were talking about the vibrator on the Christmas tree, calling it a pickle Santa.

The fun continued when husband & I went to salsa class. At one point I was laughing so hard I lost my breath. Husband has added mouth signals to his eye signal arsenal. He can be so very funny. It isn't a side he shows often, but man, when he does....makes my knees weak.

So, today is my last day of my ww week. I followed Wendie this week. People in my SparkePeople Challenge already know this, but I really enjoyed it. I found that eating 24 points in a day (for example) was easier on my psyche than eating 20 points and going "over" by 4 and using flex points. Now, I know that either way I'm eating 24 points. But there is something about "going over" that makes me crazy. In any case, I'm going to try it again this week.

Water continues to be a problem for me. I'm going to have to buy some Crystal Light to help choke it down.

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Easy Cabbage Rolls

I totally forgot to tell you all about my Easy Cabbage Rolls that I made for dinner Super Bowl night in my crockpot.....The recipe called for 750g of ground beef, but I substituted 495g ground chicken breast and a can of mixed beans. It was SO good. Even daughter loved it, and she typically will NOT eat beans. Yay me - I got her to eat some and enjoy them! We had some fat free sour cream mixed in and oh, boy. Yum, yum, yum. I will make it that way again.

Re my last post, I don't have anything mean to say to anyone. Just making conversation. To be honest, when I find a blog where someone has a weight loss philosophy that I think is nuts, I simply stop reading it. Well, I do have one blog that I read but don't comment on and I think that blog writer is a complete nutball when it comes to weight loss. That is my entertainment. I wonder if my blog is someone else's entertainment.

That brings me to another question. When do you guys cut a blog loose? I go through mine every couple of months to see how long it has been since people updated. Usually after 6 months or so, I unsubscribe. Or, when the gals get pregnant. Not that I'm not interested or happy for them - I'm just way past that part of my life. And our goals then are completely different.

So, I had my weight training class yesterday and then I did a run on the treadmill. Good times. I can hardly move my arms and legs today. Tonight I have Salsa with husband. It is supposed to be nice out today, so I think I will take dog on a 5.4k walk around the loop in my neighbourhood. It won't be a power walk - because Indiana is a nightmare on walks. He is a barker. But, 5.4k is 5.4k. Still better than sitting on the couch, right?

Speaking of the puppy - he goes to vet today - he has a lump on his shoulder. Wish me luck. If this little muffin ends up dying on me I don't think I could bear it.

I have The New Adventures of Old Christine taped from last night. I am so freakin excited that the show is back on. I think it is one of the funniest on tv. And hello - Blair Underwood? YUM!!

Ok bloggers, have a healthy day!

Question for the Blogverse

Bloggers, I have a question for you all. What are your general rules for commenting on someones blog? Do you ever tell them if you think they may be thinking of doing something wrong, or do you just find something positive in the post to comment on, or do you just not comment on that particular post?

There is a strange sense of intimacy in blogging, and yet, we don't really know anyone. Sometimes people are just clearing their head.

Anyhow - just wondering what your thoughts are.

The morning after

Phew, that was one sports filled day! We watched Tiger win (yay), Phil lose (yay), and then the football game. I'm so happy that we were able to get all the big $ commercials. I'm not really into sports - but I must say - football at least goes fast. Gotta love a clock that just keeps running. Some of the commercials were quite funny.

So, that half time show. Gotta say, since the wardrobe malfunction - they have sucked worse than the Grey Cup half time shows. Seriously - can't they find someone from THIS century to perform that won't get naked?

Had a good weekend program wise, except that my only exercise was a 20 minute walk with dog.

Today I have the weight training class. It will likely hurt. Can't wait - NOT!!

Off to make some tea and an egg. Have a healthy day bloggers!!

PS: Totegirl - I bought the almonds at a local grocery chain called Co-Op.

What a difference a year makes....

I had another one of those days today. I woke up feeling small again. Of course, I had to step on the scale. It showed me down. Here's the thing. One year ago, I was this weight. This weight was, at that time, my heaviest ever. I felt awful. All the time. Fast forward a year, I'm still the same weight, except now I've just lost over 11 lbs and I feel small at this weight. It is all so weird. Just another indication about how weight is in your head. Well, not your weight, but how you feel about it. Mind games.....to bad you can't earn activity points playing those!

I skipped yoga this morning. Want to hear my excuse? Here we go: We woke up late this morning, and so we only got our coffee at 9:30. Yoga starts at 10:30, and I had only had half my coffee. I'm a slow drinker - I only drink the one cup a day, and I really like to savour it. Had we gone to yoga, I wouldn't have been able to finish it. I just couldn't bare the idea of not drinking the 2nd half of my coffee. Husband has promised me that next week we will go for coffee earlier. I know that more than a couple of you are likely shaking your head at me right now. But it was my Tim's!!!!!

Mmmm, I had avocado salad rolls for lunch again today. My addiction to those is still going strong. So yummy and filling.

Oh, guess what? I found some 100 calorie packages of almonds today at the grocerie store. This is perfect for me! I have almost no self control if I have an open bag of almonds. This takes away my need for self control. Each package is 2 pts, and I found that I was completely satisfied being able to eat the ENTIRE package. Again with the mind games. But it worked, it gave me a protein packed snack. As you recall, I am trying to watch my non-veggie carbs. This really helps. Today I have had my coffee (with cream & sugar - my weekend treat), an egg, a yogurt, the avocado salad rolls and the almonds. Of course, there have been carbs in some of that, but still way less than I had been consuming previously. Typically on the weekend I have a bagel, and then I'm starving by mid morning, but can't afford the pts for a snack.

Well, time for a nap/tv watching. Daughter & I are watching "Three Men and a Baby" on tv. I'm sorry - but that movie is STILL funny.

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Feeling strong going into the weekend

Sometimes it scares me to be feeling good going into the weekend. It is like a set up for a big fall. And yet, I am feeling good about going into the weekend. I'm quite pleased with myself because I have been journalling since the beginning of the year, and it is now February. For those who are on the edge of their seats - I'm using the green marker again this week. I'm a wild and wacky gal!!

I curled this morning. We were a gal short, so there was much sweeping to be done. We lost, but it was a fun game. I really like the gals I curl with.

I was surfing the net last night, and I came across Julian Michael's page. I filled out the form and the page sent me a quick and dirty plan. I found two things very interesting. 1) It recommended that, because I am drawn to salty meaty snacks that I should be sure to have lots of protein with each meal and 2) That I should either walk at 4.0 mph, or run at 5.0 mph.

#1 interested me because I have noticed lately that I have been very heavy in choosing carbs. And by carbs, I don't mean lovely veggies. I mean breads & rice. I wonder if that is why I have been eating all of my flex AND activity points. Perhaps if I concentrate on proteins and veggies if I will find greater satisfaction. I'm already concentrating on veggies this week anyhow - guess now I will eat them with a piece of meat or legume instead of a bowl of rice.

#2 interested me because I was wondering how fast I needed to go on the treadmill. I already run at 5.0 at an incline of 1%, but I walk at 3.8. I now know to make the most of my workouts, I need to walk that much faster. It is doable. Also interesting was the fact that it implied I should be doing it for an hour. Also doable, but I will admit - I feel tired thinking about it! HA!!

Of course, to get the whole program, you need to sign up. I'll admit - I'm very tempted, just out of curiosity, but I don't have the $$ to spend on that. Plus, I'm having good success with WW.

Not much on the go this weekend. Just yoga. And healthy eating. ;-)

Have a healthy day!!

Seeing Red

This is a week of colours for me. I just got back from my session with my personal trainer. Unfortunately, she wasn't there. I don't know if she had the day off, or is sick, but the club didn't call me to tell me not to come in. I am not amused. Drove all the way there for friggen nothing. PLUS, I was really looking forward to it. Urgh.

Ok, letting it go. Fly away frustration, fly away. Called husband to complain. I was feeling sorry for myself because husband & daughter do scuba tonight, which means I won't see them until well after 10:00 tonight. Even the dog is away today, being groomed. All I had to look forward to was this stupid session. Husband called me back and is going to meet me for lunch. How nice. Of course, I have a million house work type things to do, but who the heck wants to do that? ;-)

My feet hurt today from belly dance. We spent a lot of time up on our toes. Hard on my old feet.

Mmmm, not much else on the go. Just sulking. (hee, hee).

Have a healthy day bloggers.

Feeling Purple....;-)

I'm feeling much better today. Phew! Salsa did help in the end. Class was quite hard actually. Lots of turns. Husband was immediately frustrated. He expects to be able to do something right away. We have very different methods of learning. You learn a lot about yourself and your partner when you take a dance lesson!!

Today is my last WW day before I give Wendi a try. I'm excited just because it will be something different. I had a good week this week. Since I've been participating with the SparkPeople Challenges (the ones that I have been involved in running since October) I'm down over 11 lbs. I figured out today I'm down over 8 lbs for my bathing suit challenge. Time to step thing up though. Gee, if only I could loose a pound every time I typed that!

So, Poppy did a great video blog (you're looking SO good Poppy!) and she was discussing managing her points more efficiently. She kinda made me think. I likely would have an easier time sticking to my daily points if I included more veggies in my day. She is a wise, wise woman that Poppy. This week, as well as doing Wendi, I will be making sure that I check off all my veggie boxes in my journal.

Poppy also posted a spaghetti squash extravaganza recipe that looked delish. I'm going to be purchasing a spaghetti squash promptly. I love them, and I had forgotten about them again.

What else. Oh, I have two belly dance classes today. I can't wait. One is my regular class, and the other is part of the club challenge. Fun times.

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Feeling Blue.... :-(

You might think I'm talking about my toes, which are blue with cold because it is -43 here with the wind chill again today, but I'm not. I'm feeling REALLY down today. Seriously down. Maybe it is post-Christmas blues. Maybe it is the HUGE fight I had with husband last night. Maybe I'm PMS'ing. All I know is, I'm feeling blue.

We have salsa lessons tonight. Eh, maybe that will get me out of my funk.

Not much else to report. Still tracking, still on plan. My exercise has suffered a bit here, but ..... ugh. Oh, next week (my week starts on Thursday) I'm going to try Wendi with my WW points. I've never done it before. We'll see how it goes.

Have a healthy day bloggers!

The Two Day Hangover :-(

I went to a wine tasting on Saturday. Tried to stay within my points - so I didn't eat very much. Can you see where this story is going? I didn't stop throwing up until 1:30 pm the NEXT day. Today I was unable to exercise because I am still SO nauseous!!!

Not good. Not good at all. I'm sure there is a lesson in there for me somewhere! It can't be drink less - it must be eat more! HAHAHA!

It is -44 here today. There is an awful draft in my TV room - my feet have been so cold all day.

Mmm, not much else - since even typing makes me nauseous. You know, when I was younger I'd have popped up the next day and just kept on drinking! Sheesh. At least I'm still OP!! HAHAHAHA!!

Friday Already???

How can it be Friday already? This week just flew. I curled this morning - we lost so bad. I pulled a muscle in my leg with the first rock I curled. Man, does it hurt. I'm pretty sure I will live though.

Don't really have much to blog about today.

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Week in review and other...

I just finished my WW week. Review of the fun facts are as follows:

Points used everyday: 20
Flex points eaten: 31 (I rarely have any left over - yay me! I'm getting full on less!)
Activity points earned: 32
Activity points eaten: 30

I gained 0.5 this week BUT I'm quite happy - I noticed a real change in my body this week. It has been a long, long time since I've stayed OP this long. That bathing suit is getting closer to my grasp each week!!

Other exciting news: I'm using a green marker for my food journal instead of pink this week. Will the madness never stop?

Yesterday did not go as planned. My garage door broke with my vehicle stuck inside! I had a moment of panic since I was on my way to drive daughter to an exam when I noticed I couldn't get my vehicle out. I was able to get it fixed so I didn't have to miss belly dance. Good thing - we worked hard learning combos. Anyhow, I'm $183 poorer today. :-(

My puppy was such a monkey at puppy class last night that he got a time out. Husband, who goes with him, was not happy. I think it is because of the full moon. Ha!

Time to get ready for personal trainer. I wonder what torture she has planned today?

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Picture problems

I've been trying to upload a couple of pictures, but there is a problem with blogger right now. I will try later.

So, Biggest Loser last night. What a crock. I think that was fixed by the producers. The teams I like are the blue team, the gray team, and the orange team. I'm mad at people for throwing the weigh ins though. I work my ass off everyday so that I can MAYBE loose a pound a week. These people have the opportunity of a lifetime for workouts that would cost thousands of dollars on the outside and they are drinking water before the weigh in. Dumbasses.

Salsa class again last night. We were moving the whole hour and lots more laughs to be had. Good times. I didn't run yesterday because I had a dental appt. Today I will be on the treadmill just a-given-er! I'm looking forward to belly dance tonight. And I have a stretch class for 30 minutes before that.

I finally got one picture to work. This is an avocado salad roll that I purchase at my local grocery store. I cannot believe how much I love them. Mmm, so yummy. And so low in points. And filling. And now I really want one!!!

Heath Ledger Dead??? WTF???

I am stunned. How can this talented actor be dead?

Meanwhile - I'm watching Biggest Loser right now. This show has to be fixed with them giving the biggest loser of the week immunity. Crap - I hate the black team. Shit, shit, shit.

More tomorrow.

I'm jumping on the band wagon also!!

Check out Roni’s new contest! I can win a Nutrition Smart Scale from Eat Smart and so can you! Click here for details!

Where did that weekend go?

Goodness - we had no plans this weekend and STILL it flew by! And - I didn't even get around to making bread (well, trying to anyhow) or salsa. What a lazy gal!! Tsk, tsk, tsk.

I recorded Gridiron Gang off the TV the other day. With The Rock. We watched it last night. I really enjoyed the movie. My only complaint would be that The Rock didn't get naked. He is one yummy dude. And not a bad actor in the end!

Today I'm going to do 20 minutes of running on the treadmill and my weight training class. I'm not going to the water jogging part, because it is more water aerobics, and I don't like it. I figure the treadmill work will make up for it. I will walk on the treadmill till 45 minutes which is how long the water portion of the class is.

So, I mentioned that I'm going to work on my speed for running. Here is my plan. This week I will do 5.0 miles per hour (yes, I know I'm Canadian, but our machines are from the States, and they have miles....I'm too lazy to convert) at an elevation of 1.0. Next week, I will go up by 0.1 - my goal is to get to 7.0 and an elevation of 2.0. I realize this will take me a long time, but since I have to have exercise as part of my life forever, I have lots of time! HAHAHA!!

I should go eat my breakfast since I have to workout soon. Have a healthy day bloggers!!

PS: The tomato/avocado salad is: 4 Roma tomatoes, 2 avocados, 1 tbs olive oil, 2 green onions, 1/2 tsp chopped garlic. Cut them all up in chunks, mix and refrigerate for a bit to let the flavours mix. 3 pts per serving - 6 servings. I didn't have green onions, so I used some spanish onions. To be honest, I liked that better - it had more punch!!

confession is good for the soul?

I totally did NOT do the bike yesterday. Yoga, as predicted, just about killed me. I was seriously out of energy after the class. The teacher thought all of my moaning was funny. I didn't share her opinion. Also, as predicted, today I can walk pain free because I did go to yoga. To make up for my laziness, lack of energy, whatever you want to call it, yesterday, I went to the club with daughter today and did 30 minutes on the treadmill (20 of which were running minutes). Sunday is normally my day of rest (I like to keep God company). But, I kinda rested yesterday.....earned enough points for 2 x 2 oz white wine and 1 cup of grapes. Good times. All I'm missing are raisins!

I made a yummy supper tonight. Turkey, fried peppers/onions/ spinach (with MINIMAL oil, OF COURSE), potatoes & a tomato/avocado salad. I didn't have the potatoes, cause I had one for lunch. It was screaming good and I am pleasantly full right now. Daughter was happy 'cause she really likes the tomato/avocado salad. I should make it more often, since it is both tasty AND easy. An excellent combination.

Well, I guess I should go read or something. Husband is watching stinking football. He keeps commenting on the game like I care. I seriously couldn't care less. Even if I tried. At least he isn't watching hockey.

Have a healthy day bloggers!!